ACReSAL Revitalizes Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo After Devastating Floods

After a devastating flood that left animals, visitors, and park officials in distress, the zoo has undergone a remarkable transformation…”Thanks to the rehabilitation efforts of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, the nature and safety of the zoo have been fully restored, attracting a diverse crowd of men, women, and children from all walks of life. This revitalization is a testament to the project’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of both the environment and the people.

The ACReSAL Project, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, is funded by the World Bank and aims to tackle the pressing issues of land degradation and climate change in 19 states of Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). With a six-year timeline set to conclude in 2028, the project is comprised of four key components that work in tandem to drive meaningful change.

Beyond its focus on land management, ACReSAL’s conservation efforts prioritize ecosystem restoration, recognizing the intricate relationships between the environment, wildlife, and human societies. By adopting a holistic approach, the project seeks to create a lasting impact that benefits not only the zoo’s inhabitants but also the broader community, promoting a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

A recent remarkable milestone is the rehabilitation of Sanda Kyarimi Park, a zoo in Borno State, which has significantly improved the living conditions of the animals. Additionally,

ACReSAL has provided support to other conservation areas, including Jos Wild-life Park in Plateau State, Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State and the National Prak Services. This support has included the rehabilitation of facilities, distribution of game viewing trucks, and provision of equipment, all of which contribute to the overall goal of enhancing ecosystem restoration and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Malam Goni Ibrahim is the father of Abuna and Mabur, who were brought to the zoo to celebrate their healing from circumcision. “I brought them here to watch the animals and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The park has turned into a mini heaven, more beautiful than ever,” he said.

In the heart of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, lies the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo, a 42-acre zoological garden and wildlife sanctuary that has been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike since its establishment in 1970. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, ostriches, crocodiles, pythons, elephants, white hyenas, buffalos, and numerous bird species.

However, in September 2024, the zoo faced an unprecedented challenge when the Alau Dam collapse caused devastating floods, killing some of its animals and destroying its infrastructure.

Mrs. Fatimah Pius Birima, the Manager of Sanda Park, recalled the dire situation, saying; “Before the intervention of ACReSAL, the zoo was not as good as now and we have been suffering in the course of taking care of the animals, even the enclosures were all bad, source of water was bad, the cages were broken. ACReSAL has done many things. Before we don’t have the interlocking, we don’t have any good-looking cages like this, and before the enclosure of the elephants was full and after the coming of ACReSAL it has been taken care of, and the cages of the crocodiles have been fixed, even the walkway which was not there before was constructed by ACReSAL.

“She said, “After the flood, we never thought the zoo would function this soon due to the severity of the damage. The zoo was in bad shape with just a few animals that survived”

‘’We now have iron and concrete seats beautifying the park and making our visitors more comfortable” “During the flood, no one can come inside the zoo, All the animals were stranded, some got missing, some were rescued and some died. Staff officials were using canoe to rescue animals because the flood level was above 8 feet. For three months there was no visitor. Everything has been put into proper perspective now by the ACReSAL Project’’

Mrs. Fatimah Pius Birima, the Manager of Sanda Park

“The Government has been very supportive since the establishment of the zoo in 1970, aside that we have not received any aid except from ACReSAL, you have made it possible for us, even in the maintenance of the zoo itself on painting, building back the falling fence and many more”

‘’Before the intervention of ACReSAL people do visit the park. On working days, we record about 50 people and weekend we received over 200 people. But after the intervention we now record 100 people on working days and over 500 people mostly weekends, the numbers usually increase during festive period. As a manager I will make sure all infrastructure is effectively managed and maintained. The economic impact has improved, even those that have shops in the zoo now have more customers that is to say it has increased the economic purpose. The park management carry out radio jingle and advert to encourage more visitors because the park is now beautiful.”    She spoke.

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, intervened in the zoo’s renovation, carrying out a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. The project renovated the cages to ensure the safety of the animals, park officials, and visitors. The entire zoo was painted, giving it a fresh and inviting look. Comfortable iron and concrete seats were provided for visitors, and a solid walkway was constructed to ease movement.  The fence that fell was also built back to secure the park.

Mohammed Sherriff, soft drink vendor

The renovation has had a significant impact on the park and its vendors. Mohammed Sherriff, a soft drink seller, reported a substantial increase in sales: “Before the flood, I made N6,000 on working days and N15,000 on weekends. After the renovation, I now make N9,000 on working days and N20,000 on weekends.

Halima Shani, Noodles and soft drinks vendor

Halima Shani, who prepares noodles and sells soft drinks, also saw a significant increase in sales: “Before the ACReSAL intervention, I made N5,000 on working days and N10,000 on weekends.  After the renovation, I now make N15,000 on working days and N20,000 and above on weekends” she said.

Other beneficiaries, Saleh Adamu a photographer, is not left out of the benefit of ACReSAL renovation: “I used to take pictures of visitors and animals at the zoo, but  I stopped because of the flood. But now, with the zoo’s new look, I can take beautiful pictures again and sell them to visitors. Before the flood, I made N2,000 on working days and N3,000 on weekends. But after the renovation, I now make N6,000 on working days and N7,000 to N9,000 on weekends.”

Saleh Adamu, a photographer

The transformation of the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo is a testament to the power of collaboration in effective project delivery. The park’s rehabilitation has not only boosted economic activities but also highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration. As a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike, the zoo is once again thriving, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn and appreciate the region’s rich biodiversity. With the help of ACReSAL, the zoo is poised to become a major tourist attraction in the region, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.